Pelvis - Anatomy & Physiology

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()Map MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM (Map)



Pelvic Girdle

Pelvis - Wikimedia Commons 2008
  • Two symmetrical halves: hip bones (ossa cosarum) meet at pelvic symphysis ventrally and articulate with sacrum dorsally
  • Hip Bones:
    • Three bones develop from separate ossifications within a single cartilage plate
    • Ilium: craniodorsal, extends obliquely forward from hip to articulate with sacrum
      • Cranial wing varies between species
      • Dorsally, forms sacral tuber more prominent in large animals than dogs and cats
      • Ventrally, forms tuber coxae, or the point of the hip
      • Margin of the wing is known as the iliac crest
      • Body is deeply excavated for attachment of the gluteus medius
      • Greater Sciatic Notch on dorsal border of the wing is cut away at its junction with the shaft to allow the sciatic nerve passage en route to the hind limb
    • Pubis : extends medially from the joint to form cranial pelvic floor
      • L-shaped to give two branches: cranial (acetabular) and caudal (symphysial)
    • Ischium: caudal, forms most of pelvic floor
      • Ischial tuberosity is formed by the caudolateral corner of the horizontal plate of the ischium
    • The Pelvic Symphysis comprises both pubis and ischium
    • The Acetabulum"" provides the socket to the joint of the hip, and is comprised of all three bones of the pelvis
  • Species differences:
    • Larger species have a more vertical ilium, bringing the sacroiliac joint (and with it the weight of the trunk) closer to the hip
    • Smaller species have an oblique ilium

Pelvic Joints and Ligaments

Pelvic Symphysis, Gray's Anatomy - Wikimedia Commons 2008
  • Pelvic Symphysis: secondary cartilaginous joint that ossifies with age and may expand in parturition
  • Sacroiliac joints: synovial joints combined with fibrous joints
    • Transmits the weight of the trunk to the hindlimbs
  • Sacrotuberous ligament varies tremendously between species, caudal edge is palpable
    • Dog: stout cord extending between the sacrum and lateral ischial tuberosity
    • Cat: not present
    • Ungulates: Sacrosciatic ligament expands to a broad sheep

Video Link: Sacrosciatic Ligament of the Sheep, Copyright RVC 2008